March 2012
The Greater Raleigh Court Civic League
www.grccl.org
R a l e i g h C o u r t — A H i s t o r I C A L N E I G H B O R H O O D L O O K I N G F O R WA R D
The Future of Roanoke
by Parke Loesel
Join in a political discussion at our GRCCL candidates’ forum on Thursday, March 8 at 7 pm with the nominees for mayor and city council at Raleigh Court Child Development Center. The Democrats held a Firehouse Primary on February 4, and chose Mayor David Bowers, Court Rosen, Anita Price, and Sherman Lea. Republicans will also be represented at the Forum on March 8, but we won’t know their names until after February 23rd, the date of the Republican “primary.” John Carlin, Director of Public Relations at Ferrum College and owner of John Carlin Agency, will be the moderator for this event. He has an extensive background in television broadcast, and was a former Anchor for WSLS (NBC) for
Inside This Issue
President’s Message..................................................... 3 Library Remodeling................................................4-5 Save the Date............................................................ 5 Making Music with the Woodrow Wilson Band........... 6 The Future of Roanoke(continued from page 1)........... 7 Treat Yourself to Yoga..............................................8-9 Remembering 50 Years Ago...................................... 12 Clean-Up Project at Murray Run............................. 14
21 years. We are preparing a list of questions to pose to the candidates, but you are encouraged to attend the event, and have a chance to pose your own questions, too. We expect to give them each an opportunity to talk about economic development, area schools, neighborhoods, crime prevention and public safety as well as preserving a suitable quality of life. Recently, a proposed library plan including expansion of Raleigh Court Library was presented to city council. Increased technology, energy savings, green initiatives and collaboration with business enterprises are some of today’s trends as cited in recent newsletters. Capital improvements, job growth, tourism and regional partnerships will enhance our area’s appeal. ... continued on page 7
Meeting Announcement Our next meeting will be Thursday, March 8 and will feature the Candidates’ Forum. Incumbents and challengers for Roanoke City Council and Mayor will be on hand to answer questions and debate issues of importance. It’s always a lively evening, so we hope to see you at 7 pm at the Raleigh Court Child Development Center.
Greater Raleigh Court Civic League Officers 2011-2012 OFFICERS President: Chad Braby chadbraby12@gmail.com 758-2576 Vice-President: Jake Gilmer jgilmer@rvarc.org
Parke Loesel JKPLoesel@aol.com Ellen Brown mynewstchapter@verizon.net Mary Dykstra mvdrltr@aol.com
Treasurer: Ruth Dickerson ruthD@colecpas.com
Immediate Past President:
Recording Secretary: Cassandra Van Hyning cvanhyning@spectrumpc.com
COMMITTEE CHAIRS:
Corresponding Secretary: Vacant
Directors at Large:
Susan Koch s.koch@verizon.net
Membership: Martha Graves
Special Projects: Tony Stavola astavola@carilion.com Greenways: Mike Urbanski mike_urbanski@cox.net Building Management: Chad Braby Grandin Road Merchants Liaison: Vacant
Adopt-a-Highway: Vacant
Matt Pritts pritts@woodsrogers.com
Neighborhood Affairs Committee: Vacant
Martha Graves mgraves@wdbj7.com
Program: Parke Loesel JKPLoesel@aol.com
Newsletter: Ellen Brown mynewestchapter@verizon.net
Project2
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Web & Social Media: Jake Gilmer
The Court Reporter is published by the Greater Raleigh Court Civic League five times a year on or about the first week of September, November, January, March, 8/3/11 10:18 AM Page 1 and May.
From the President I recently went away for a vacation. No kids, no spouse. … Just me and ten other guys from around the country who meet every year for a few days of skiing. The trip requires a plane flight, and while I fly a few times a year for work, my air travel is infrequent enough that I’m still captivated by the experience. There’s something about the perspective of 30,000 feet that nudges me toward reflection.
My western vacation was relatively uneventful, aside from some fantastic skiing. I returned home, body tired but mind refreshed. One of my favorite rituals of the annual trip is the drive from the airport. The star on Mill Mountain welcomes me home, and reminds me to be grateful. I’m blessed with a great family, great neighbors and great community. See you around the neighborhood.
On this particular trip I found myself thinking about the Civic League’s upcoming Candidates’ Forum and the subsequent Roanoke City Council election. We are proud to host the Forum every election cycle, and it usually leads to some interesting conversation about the issues of the day and about the questions we should be asking of the candidates. For my part, it often leads to a broader question of “What should we expect from our Roanoke City Government?” At a basic level, we generally agree. We expect regular trash pickup with a bonus of curbside recycling. We want the stoplights to work efficiently and the potholes patched quickly. When nature intrudes, we look for support in clearing snow or fallen trees from the streets.
Calendar Candidates’ Forum (GRCCL Membership) Thursday, March 8, 7pm
Clean Valley Day
Saturday, March 31, 9am-Noon
Earth Day - Grandin Village Saturday, April 21, 10am- 4pm
GRCCL Membership Meeting Thursday, May 10, 7pm
GRCCL Block Party Sunday, May 20, 2-5pm
Beyond the basics, our expectations start to diverge. Some feel strongly that government should end after the basics and leave us alone. Others contend the City has an important role in creating a vibrant and sustainable community. They insist that a strong library system provides a foundation for early childhood development, or that consistent zoning practices create livable and thriving neighborhoods like Greater Raleigh Court. Some argue that local government can effectively provide leadership in important issues like residential and industrial carbon reduction. One thing we usually agree on is we want city government to Get Things Done. The current Council, Mayor and City Manager seem particularly effective at executing the business of the City with a minimal amount of public bickering and backstabbing. Surely there is debate and disagreement, but the grievances don’t seem to be aired via the media outlets. In my opinion, it’s a good sign. What is your opinion as to the issues on which Roanoke city government should concentrate? We’d love to hear from you. One of GRCCL’s roles is to act as a conduit between the neighborhood and the City. Your opinion is important, and we can help amplify your voice. page 3
1322 Grandin Rd 982-2022
City Plans for Raleigh Court Library Expansion By Susan Koch
After years of discussion, the City is moving forward with plans to expand the Raleigh Court Library. Over $3 million is included for our neighborhood branch in the City’s $14 million capital plan for libraries. And none too soon. For years, the Raleigh Court Library has been the city’s busiest branch, with over 90,000 visits a year. With the recent closing of the County’s 419 branch, the Raleigh Court Library has been swamped. Circulation has jumped by almost a third, visits have increased by 1,100 a month, and new cards have doubled. All this activity has generated calls for extra staff from other branches.
The plan also addresses the important issue of parking. Right now the parking is so limited that librarians often park their own cars at a nearby church, saving spaces for patrons. The parking lot will be doubled, and access to the PH lot behind the branch will be improved so library goers can use that lot when school is out. All these changes mean the library will expand by almost 75%, from 6,000 square feet to over 10,000. The plan is to expand out toward Grandin Road and on the side of the branch toward Grandin Village. The initial design concept calls for large windows on the building’s front to draw passersby in. Detailed planning will get underway in July. In the meantime, the city will find a design consultant to work with staff. Construction should begin next year, and the city will work hard to minimize any time the branch needs to be closed. Major renovations at other branches have closed them for two weeks or less.
Library management has recognized that our neighborhood branch is just too small to handle all the customers—not enough computers, no designated area for teens, inadequate parking, too little space to host the library’s most popular programs. And conditions have become worse as a persistent roof leak has resisted all efforts to fix it. In February, Roanoke City Libraries’ Director Sheila Umberger presented City Council with a capital plan that will re-allocate funds designated for a super branch to a neighborhood oriented plan, including Raleigh Court. Indeed, the Raleigh Court Library was recognized as the highest priority, with design work planned to begin in July when funds are available. The renovated Raleigh Court Library will have a greatly expanded children’s area and more room for adult readers. There will be a new teen center and many more computers. There will be several small meeting rooms where tutors can meet their students to bone up on schoolwork. The many immigrants learning English can also use these rooms to meet with their tutors, and teens can use them for study groups. For the first time, there will be a large community room so the library can offer more programs. The meeting room will have a separate entrance and can be used by community groups even when the library is closed.
Investments in Other City Libraries Over the past several years, the Library has renovated and expanded the Jackson Park and Gainsboro branches. Thanks to private funding, the Library has also been able to renovate the popular Virginia Room and create a performance space in the Main Library. That same donor has also financed some renovations to the Williamson Road branch. Additionally, the Library has opened e-branches in Valley View shopping center and in Garden City. All these changes have produced a dramatic turnaround in the Roanoke City Libraries. In 2005, circulation and visits were declining. Now circulation is up 84% and visits have increased by a third. Program attendance has almost tripled. Renovating neighborhood branches has had a huge impact. Jackson Park’s circulation increased by 196%, and its visits doubled. Gainsboro has seen a 145% increase in circulation, while visits are up 53%. The revised capital plan will benefit many of Roanoke’s neighborhoods in addition to ours. It will finance expansions at the Williamson Road and Melrose libraries, similar to what’s planned at Raleigh Court. It will also fund an e-branch, complete with book pick-up and drop-off and a story time area, in South Roanoke. This neighborhood was identified as underserved in a recent Library study of usage patterns.
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Also included is funding to support the city’s plans for Elmwood Park. The city intends to spend $4 million to make this downtown park a better entertainment venue and a destination for Roanokers. The plan is to make the Main Library a more inviting gateway to the park and part of park events. The Library’s front patio will be renovated and terraces added on the back. The first floor of the Library will be re-configured and opened up to the park. It will offer more space for teens and families. Finally, the revised capital plan calls for a 6,500 square foot branch in the city’s planned development at Countryside. This storefront library will help anchor the proposed village center. Cynthia Landeweer, president of the Friends of the Raleigh Court Library, praised the new plans. “I’m thrilled that the City has validated the great services that the libraries provide to all of our wonderful neighborhoods,” she said. “The thoughtfulness in the Raleigh Court plan for multigenerational uses and for opening up the space to the outdoors is exceptional. I can’t wait to see it all come to fruition.”
JOIN THE FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY
SAVE THE DATE What:
Grandin Village Block Party FUN • FOOD • ACTIVITIES
When:
Want to know what’s happening with the Raleigh Court Library? Show your support and help plan the future by joining the Friends of the Library. The Friends of the Library is an all volunteer group that works with Raleigh Court Librarian Diane McGuire and her staff. It’s part of an independent non-profit national organization. Recently, the Friends have helped the Library with Earth Day and with popular library programs such as making Madeline hats and building gingerbread houses. They’ve helped fund improvements in the kids’ section and additional magazine subscriptions. Friends president Cynthia Landeweer says “Our think tank needs a boost,” and would welcome new members. The group meets four times a year with the next meeting on Tuesday, April 24 at 7:00 at the Library. In the meantime, contact Cynthia at cynthialandeweer@yahoo.com with your thoughts or for more information. page 5
Sunday, May 20, 2012, 2-5 pm Volunteers: Please Contact: Parke Loesel jkploesel@aol.com 540-774-6690
Making Music… in the Woodrow Wilson Band
to go on the annual field trip, the answer lies in the existence of an active and effective band booster club. Started about fours ago by one of the parents, the group takes responsibility for many chores. “They organize and manage fund-raising, supervise and chaperone for concerts and trips, and set-up and haul equipment. They do all my dirty work, so to speak.” To learn more about the booster club, have a look at their website (www.woodrowband.com), and take note of all the upcoming dates and events.
By: Ellen A. Brown After spending an hour or so in conversation with Victor Tuck, band director at Woodrow Wilson Middle School, I now know why I often see students walking to school so early in the morning, before the regular school day begins. They are probably heading over to a band rehearsal! Mr. Tuck offers a class in jazz every Monday and Wednesday morning, from 7:45 to 8:30. If you wonder what could attract young teenagers to get up and off to school so early, well, there are plenty of incentives and rewards for these young jazz musicians. This winter they’ll be playing in a jazz festival at Radford University, and in May they’ll be performing at our Block Party. Sometimes they get invited to play at shopping malls, as a part of a fundraiser. And the biggest reward for all their effort and hard work: each year all seventh and eighth grade band members get to make a big road trip, either to Kings Dominion or Busch Gardens.
Clean-Up Project at Murray Run The Civic League has been partnering with the Woodrow Wilson band for several years on a neighborhood clean-up project. The kids go around the neighborhood and ask for pledges of support, and then contribute to the community by completing a work project in a park, spreading mulch, painting bridges, pulling weeds, and that sort of thing. Mike Urbanski is in charge of the clean-up efforts, and has already scheduled the next one for April 28, in Murray Run. Usually raising between $500 and $1,000, the booster club uses the money to defray costs of the road trip (for the older grades) or for an end-of-the-year banquet for the sixth graders. If you’d like to help, consider rolling up your sleeves at Murray Run, or contact the boosters (President Joseph Antone) and make a financial donation. It is for a good cause…since, as Tuck says, “Band is what keeps kids in school!”
Of course, from the prospective of their band teacher, the students learn valuable lessons in critical thinking and self-esteem. It is nice for them to have an opportunity to represent their school, at district festivals and, for a select few, to play in a district band. Some may have the talent and interest to pursue a career as educators. Tuck mentions with pride a few of his students who have gone into careers as teachers or band directors. Apparently our school system compares favorably with others, and is very supportive of the arts and music. Tuck is grateful for the contributions from the city school board toward the cost of transportation for the band trip, figuring that the cost per student would go up about $50 each year without the subsidy. Tuck says, “In other places it has been like pulling teeth to get anything. Dr. Bishop is a great supporter of the arts!” If you may be wondering how all these students can afford page 6
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At this month’s Democratic primary, David Bowers said he wanted to focus on a major economic development issue he called “academic economic development” which encompasses an expansion of post graduate education or graduate degrees in an urban setting. For instance, he said, “Elon Law School is located in Greensboro, NC and Campbell Law School is located in Raleigh, NC.” This would allow students to interact with business opportunities and contribute to the local economy. Also, Bowers would like to “boost the hotel tax” to help fund tourism. He cited the Taubman Museum of Art and the Jefferson Center as catalysts in bringing new people into town for varied cultural experiences. In the sports arena, he would like to see ice hockey organized and an ice rink maintained in the city. Sherman Lea believes in the strong unified working relationship among the present members and the need to continue this momentum. He cited the “good leadership in city government” and felt that economic development will continue as an important issue. Lea noted it was critical to analyze the numerous decisions during each council session and that members give “lots of energy” for this necessary job.
council. Therefore, we have no official candidates to report. On February 10, The Roanoke Times, cited Mark Lucas, Republican, as an emerging mayoral candidate. Chris Walters, Chairman of the city Republican Party, mentioned recently he would like to see city council and Mayor Bowers “be pro-active instead of reactive” in moving the city forward. CANDIDATE FILING DEADLINE & GENERAL ELECTION The filing deadline for city council and mayoral candidates running in the May 1, 2012 general election is March 6. No paperwork will be accepted after the deadline according to the city registrar’s office. In a Roanoke Times article on February 10, Brandon Bushnell, Independent, is reportedly considering a bid for city council.
Court Rosen said “a focus on infrastructure such as bridges, sewers and street repairs are often not thought about but are critical for safety and economic development.” He mentioned there will be a continued focus on schools and he is glad the school system has put away over 12 million dollars for future funding with the 2% meal tax about to expire. DEMOCRACY IN ACTION Yellow helium balloons and multiple candidate signs filled the parking lot at William Fleming High School during the recent February primary. Over 1,300 registered voters cast their ballots in the mayoral race in which incumbent David Bowers defeated Sam Rasoul, challenger. Court Rosen, Anita Price, and Sherman Lea, all current City Council members, were up for re-election. They will make their bid in the May 1, 2012 municipal election as well as our current mayor. REPUBLICAN MASS MEETING As we go to press, the mass meeting of the city Republican Party was scheduled February 23 at 6 pm in City Council chambers to nominate candidates for mayor and city page 7
Treat Yourself to Yoga…and Help a Good Cause by Kara Duffas Kara Duffas, our Court Photographer, captured images recently of a special fundraising event, offered by Debbie Stevens and the Yoga Center, supporting the work of St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Participants, some of them experiencing Yoga for the first time, enjoyed the experience and had the satisfaction of knowing they were donating to a good cause. To find out about other fund-raisers and classes, have a look at the website: www.theyogacenterinc.com.
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•Aeration •Mowing •Mulching • Tr i m m i n g S h r u b s • Tr e e W o r k
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Remembering Fifty Years Ago… Interview With Laurie Platt By Ellen A. Brown To get a taste of life in Raleigh Court a half a century ago, I asked Laurie Platt to tell me about her memories of growing up in this neighborhood. We are close to the same age, so I was interested to find out how her experiences compared with my own (growing up in Charlotte, NC). For starters, she remembers the day her family moved into their home on Wilbur Road (behind Patrick Henry) on February 5, 1962, and that it was cloudy. In fact, a big snow storm was moving in, and her Dad’s car stayed buried under snow in the driveway for about two weeks! When my family moved to Charlotte, NC, in August of 1958, on a muggy hot day, I remember admiring the beautiful crepe myrtle bushes, in full bloom, planted up and down both sides of the street, and feeling welcomed by our next door neighbor, who brought over a huge tray of iced tea and cookies! Once settled in her new home, Laurie remembers the fun she and her friends had just roaming around the neighborhood – walking as far as Towers Shopping Center, and to various popular destinations in Grandin Village, including the Raleigh Court Branch Library (where POPS is now located), Garland’s Drug Store, Barr’s (Five and Dime), Mick or Mack’s, and, when the weather warmed up, the Dairy Queen. Myers Park, my neighborhood in Charlotte, didn’t have many stores and businesses in easy walking distance from my home, although there was a fabulous park nearby (Freedom Park), replete with ducks and ponds, and playgrounds. Laurie remembers fondly Wasena Elementary School, and especially the principal, Miss Nell Walters. Apparently, back then, teachers and principals were allowed to give hugs to all the students! One memory that has etched itself into Nell’s mind occurred in the fall of 1963, when Miss Walters came in the classroom and whispered something urgent into the ear of the third grade teacher, Mrs. Miller. They apparently decided that it would be best to keep their news quiet, and allow parents to tell their children… about the tragic reports from
Dallas, about President Kennedy’s assassination. One other detail from Laurie’s memory bank was of the special film room at the elementary school, and of the educational films they would see. Her favorite, and she has been trying to find a copy of it in recent years, was one called The Williamsburg Story, starring Debra Walley. My memories of school in the 1960’s include the uproar about the Cuban missile crisis. Many feared that Charlotte might be a choice target for those missiles, so the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System administrators devised an elaborate strategy to protect the students from harm. My classmates and I practiced a special drill in which we were to walk several blocks from the school and be picked up by a carpool caravan of mothers, who would take us far out into the country until the coast was clear. Laurie says they didn’t do anything like that here in Virginia. Roanoke might not have been a choice target, anyway, since it is much smaller than Charlotte and located a bit further from Cuba, too. She says that her years at middle school, at Woodrow Wilson, were pleasant enough, but she wrinkled her nose and made a face at the mention of high school, Patrick Henry. There may be a variety of reasons why her memories of PH are so negative for her, but she complains especially about feeling bullied by some of the teachers there. She remembers the changes brought about by integration, and wishes they had handled the civil rights transition more gradually, and more smoothly. We compared notes about the issue of busing, and agreed that it seemed a shame to send kids far away from their homes to attend schools in another part of town…that it weakened the neighborhood, somehow. When our conversation turned to the present, I learned that Laurie’s father died in 2002, but that her mother is still living, in the same family home on Wilbur Road. Laurie watches out for her. I guess I am feeling a bit envious, since my parents are both gone, and since I don’t have much connection to my hometown anymore. However, as I try to make a home for myself in Roanoke, it helps to take an interest in the old houses, schools, churches and businesses…and to learn about the neighborhood history. Laurie and I agreed that we’d both enjoy gathering other stories (from our neighbors), doing a little research (in the Virginia Room), and organizing this information so that others can find and enjoy it. ... continued on page 13
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The two of us are investigating the possibilities of starting a neighborhood history project…and in recruiting others to join in the fun. So far, Nelson Harris has offered to work on the history of the Norwich Lock Company, I’ve started researching the Persinger family (there is a Persinger Cemetery just a few blocks away from my home on Memorial Avenue), and Laurie is investigating the significance behind the names of several buildings at PH, including Persinger Hall and McQuilkin. I have a hunch that there are scores of other history buffs out there who share our enthusiasm and who are eager to know more about what happened in the past, and about the experiences and perspectives of our neighbors. If you’d like to share with us some treasures from your family archives, introduce us to a friend who has stories to relate, or simply help us get organized….please do! Maybe we can apply for a neighborhood grant and set up a website for sharing the information we find. The possibilities are endless! For inspiration, have a look at my website (www. vahistoryexchange.com) and contact me with your suggestions, or if you’d like to volunteer! ellen@vahistoryexchange.com
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Clean-Up Project at Murray Run
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Greater Raleigh Court Civic League P.O. Box 3092 Roanoke, VA 24015 Address Service Requested
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New members are welcome to join the Civic League at any time. Your mailing label shows when it’s time to renew your membership. You may pay your dues at the next membership meeting. Multiyear or life memberships are welcome! The Civic League is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. Donations may be claimed as charitable deductions for tax purposes. Please mail your membership dues ($10 family, $15 business, or $100 life membership) or gifts to: GRCCL, P.O. Box 3092, Roanoke, VA 24015 Or go to www.grccl.org and click on “JOIN US” to fill out a membership application online. Name Address
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